Dee Watson, a former Voices of Change fellow, shares her experience building radical educational change while confronting severe burnout. Watson implemented innovative programs designed to transform schools but discovered that pushing for systemic change came at a personal cost. The work demanded constant resistance against institutional inertia and exhausted her physically and emotionally.
Watson's reflection centers on a critical question: how do educators sustain themselves while working toward transformative goals? She describes the tension between her commitment to radical possibility in schools and the toll that commitment extracted. The piece examines why well-intentioned reformers often burn out and what "saving your own life" means within education work.
Her account reveals that creating change requires more than passion and vision. It demands acknowledging personal limits and building sustainable practices. Watson's story resonates with educators who have felt torn between ambitious goals and personal wellbeing. She ultimately advocates for a reframing of educational reform that includes self-preservation as a valid strategy, not a failure of commitment.
The reflection appears in EdSurge and speaks directly to the growing conversation about educator wellness and the human costs of educational innovation.